Strategic Planning Policy Lead

• Strategic_Planning_Policy_Lead_Job_Description_Oct2026
• Candidate_Pack_-_Place_Directorate_PS_-_Sept__2026

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please include a personal statement with your CV specifying why you are applying for this vacancy.

Shape the future of the Thames Valley.

This is a standout opportunity to lead strategic plan-making across the Thames Valley. At the heart of the region’s future growth, you will turn complex evidence and bold ideas into a compelling spatial strategy, connecting new homes and thriving places with infrastructure, investment, climate resilience and nature improvement. Your work will help create a pipeline of investable opportunities and unlock the Thames Valley’s economic potential.

Your base will be Bracknell Forest Council’s offices at Time Square, Bracknell, but working across the offices of councils in the Thames Valley, with travel required across the region.

About you….

You will be an accomplished strategic planner who combines technical credibility with imagination, influence and outstanding communication. You will bring excellent policy-writing and analytical skills, strong knowledge of national planning policy and RTPI membership.

If you are ready to take on career-defining work, influence decisions at the highest level and help create places that thrive for generations, we want to hear from you.

Key responsibilities…

• Make a visible and lasting difference to communities across the Thames Valley.
• Own a high-profile strategy from evidence and options through to policy and delivery.
• Influence senior leaders, elected members, government, statutory agencies and regional partners.
• Work at the forefront of strategic planning, addressing the big questions around growth, investment, infrastructure, climate and place.
• Benefit from flexible working, significant professional autonomy and opportunities to develop and inspire others.

Our benefits…

• 28 days annual leave increasing to 33 day after 3 years’ continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days.
• Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.
• Paid employee volunteering scheme.
• Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility).
• Reimbursement of one annual professional subscription/registration.
• Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits. (Terms and Conditions apply)
• Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing
• Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club.

Find out more about all our benefits or see the candidate pack.

Our values

At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.

Reasonable adjustments

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. We will work with you to support you throughout the process. Find out more about reasonable adjustments.

Disability confident and inclusive recruitment

Bracknell Forest Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and an inclusive employer. This means that if you tell us on your application form that you have a disability, are an armed forces veteran or are a care leaver, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.

Interview date

Interviews will be held on 30th November 2026.

Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.

We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.

Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.

Want to ask us a question?

For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:

Andrew Hunter - Executive Director, Place

Email: Andrew.hunter@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment.

We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK.

Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis.

No agencies please.